U. of C. issues alert following robberies

October 18, 2002

CHICAGO — The University of Chicago has issued a security alert because of seven robberies and one attempted robbery in the Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood since Oct. 11.

Two men were arrested in connection with the most recent incident, at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, which involved undercover Chicago police officers, said university spokesman Larry Arbeiter. Police are investigating whether the two men taken into custody in the 1400 block of East 57th Street were involved in other robberies, he said.

A police spokesman for the Prairie District would not confirm that undercover officers were involved or whether those arrested are considered suspects in other crimes.

Three of the robberies involved students and staff members, according to Arbeiter, although none of the incidents occurred on campus. The incidents took place in the evening or early morning, he said.